HC Deb 02 May 1898 vol 57 cc35-6
SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, as regards battalions, British and Native, field batteries (if any) and mountain batteries, British and Native, what are the differences between the existing forces and those maintained before the attacks on Malakand, Shabkadr, and Lundi Kotal, at or near the following stations or posts: Panjkora, Malakand, the Khyber and neighbourhood, Kuram and neighbourhood; whether any further changes are already in contemplation; whether there are any British or Kashmir troops between Panjkora and Chitral; and whether any change has been made in the garrison of Chitral?

The SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON,) Middlesex, Ealing

The Malakand Force has been temporarily increased by 1 British and 2 Native infantry battalions, 2 squadrons of Native cavalry, and a company of Native sappers. There are no troops on the Panjkora. At the Khyber and neighbourhood there are, according to the latest returns, 6 British and 7 Native infantry battalions, 3 British mountain batteries, 3 companies Native sappers, and 2 squadrons Native cavalry. Prior to the recent campaigns, there were only small detachments at Jamrud, and the Khyber Rifles in the Khyber Pass. At Kuram and in the neighbourhood the increase consists of half a squadron Native cavalry. The distribution of the troops on the Frontier has not yet been finally settled, and I cannot therefore state what further changes may be made. There are no British or Kashmir troops between the Panjkora and Chitral, in the garrison of which place no change has been made.